insurmountable | you know i'm the type / type to risk my life, not afraid to die

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you know i'm the type / type to risk my life, not afraid to die

[Call it crazy, call it morbid curiosity, call it insane. A craving for battle, a craving to test his skills against the powerhouses of the Abyss, he follows a few Heralds into the portal they'd left behind as they whisked themselves away from the camp they'd set up for their next assault in Teyvat. He couldn't leave the Abyss without aid, of course, but if he could find his master once again, he'd be able to return to Teyvat. And maybe get a good sparring match out of her while he was at it. Either way, he's got his sights set on those Heralds who thought they were alone, announcing himself behind them as he brandishes his weapons with glee.

They look surprised. Good. That was the point.

The battle rages on for some time. They prove to be incredible foes, taking several on at once. One dies, cut down by the Harbinger- the others wounded badly. But what Childe hadn't counted on was that they'd get reinforcements so soon, and with more numbers, they manage to overpower him. The Foul Legacy Transformation still proves to be a large burden on his body, and with waning strength, he finds himself captured and chained. The remaining Heralds drag him to an incredible hollowed out ruin, one that looks like the very architecture of the ancient dynasty from Khaenri'ah itself. Finally, he's thrown to the ground in a room that clearly was made for some sort of royalty, his knees hitting the concrete hard.

His head bowed, he coughs up blood, knowing he'd really messed up this time. This isn't good, and he has no way out of it. His body is wrecked. It's taking all his strength just to keep from passing out, as he looks up and sees the leader of the Abyss...]

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[He's about to counterattack with his other hand, when her fist slams into his side. He can feel pain radiate through him, having hit a spot that he knows is already far too injured to take another blow like that and not stun him.]

Ngh-agh!!!!

[He stumbles away, holding his side as he gasps for breath, hacking up blood into his gloved hand. It serves as a reminder of how injured he was, and her words cut through him like a knife. He shouldn't be letting her get to him like this, but his mind races for more options to take here. If he even has more options.]

Guess you really are into bullying, huh...

[His mouth keeps running, but it only serves to make him cough some more. The effects were clear. He's in no condition to be fighting anyone right now.]

[ his cry causes the heralds to burst through the door, and lumine, in exasperation, sighs and lifts a hand once more to keep them from swooping on her errant guest. there's a long pregnant pause, one that she allows all of them to stew in, before they bow and reluctantly leave them yet again.

once more they're gone, she gets up from her seat and starts picking up the contents of the box from the floor: clean bandages, antiseptic and strong-smelling ointments, even a sewing kit, procured by the mages elsewhere. ]

Only when it comes to children who can't follow simple instructions, such as taking off their shirt and sitting down.

[ shots fired, etc.

once she's gathered the items and deposited them back into the box, lumine takes a seat again on the edge of the bed, looking at him expectantly. now, will he finally remove his clothes and sit down? she's honestly getting tired of this. ]

[Even doubled over, he sees now what was inside the box. Simple first aid. He's in too much pain to hide his shock, blinking a few times. She was going to bandage him up? What?]

I don't need you to talk down to me from that perch you're sitting on.

[He's mad, but more mad at his own incapability than at her in this moment. His mind is still boggled. But he needs a minute, to recuperate from that blow. Finally, he steps over, sitting on the bed as instructed, but not without a glare.]

Fine.

[He unclips his banner from his chest, slowly edging the jacket off of him. It's painful to do even that, but he manages, throwing it on the floor in front of them and doing the same with the red undershirt. Wounds cover his upper body, blood dripping down that's stained his shirt, revealing all sorts of scars from the many years of battle.]

[ well, it's not like she anticipates or wants him to be grateful. the look of surprise on his face when he realises what she's been holding onto and the fact that he finally, finally relents is enough for her to appreciate. after this, she's telling the mages not to disturb her rest unless the entire abyss goes up in flames.

her hands start busying themselves as he begins to undress, picking up a piece of cloth and soaking it in antiseptic. her gaze flickers at his jacket and shirt being tossed onto the floor, eyebrow arching.

just like a snake shedding his skin, she thinks, but she could also compare it to a child throwing a tantrum. either comparison works. ]

You seem to respond to me talking you down well enough.

[ lumine studies his injuries before she shifts closer and reaches out to start disinfecting the visible cuts, her hand much gentler now that it's no longer punching him. her heralds really did a number on him, though, which is to be expected of them. but to take down a few of them in his current state ... she'll have to sort that out too. ]

[Childe grimaces at the pain from the disinfectant, but it's necessary. He sits still, watching her work, and the only thing he can think of is why. There's a strange familiarity in this entire exchange too- had Aether found him in this condition, surely he would have scolded him and done the same. Forced him to sit, to dress his wounds, put his hands on his hips and glare.

There's a part of him that still wants to take advantage of this situation. But for now, he silently watches her, not really knowing how to respond for the moment.

His next movement is slow, non-threatening, as he reaches his hand up to grasp one of her wrists. His grip is loose, and she can easily pull away without much effort. He just wants to stop her for a second.]

Why are you doing this? You have servants you could order to dress my wounds, and yet you invite me into this room and treat me yourself.

[His head tilts slightly to the side with curiosity.]

Your brother would have done the same for me too, you know. I guess you both are pretty alike.

[ and here she thought he'd never ask her that question.

lumine lifts her eyes to meet his, her hand pausing from its occupation with her wrist imprisoned, and returns his questioning look with the same impassive expression as before. a moment later, she lowers her gaze once more with a sigh, her other hand rummaging through the box. ]

I didn't know that you preferred mages and heralds over people. Shall I call one of them and have them continue?

[ besides, he's agitated them well enough; who knows what how effective their treatment would be if she were to leave them in their hands. ]

I'll summon a lector as well to sing you songs while they treat and dress your wounds.

Heh.

[He releases her wrist, so she can continue to work freely. A part of him is surprised she didn't retaliate. It was a bold move of him, after the blow he'd received just minutes before.]

Truly a cruel and merciless leader you are, [he says, smirking.] But you didn't answer my other question. I should be the last person you'd want to waste efforts on to heal. I killed your Herald. Wounded countless others. Yet I receive treatment from the princess herself, and was offered information about my own power.

[He peers at her.]

Just tell me what you want from me. I know you aren't doing this just out of the kindness of your heart.

[ at least he's not the delusional type, and he's not entirely wrong; her actions are not necessarily charitable and do not stem from compassion.

but lumine deflects him anyway with more silence as she resumes her task and returns her focus back to his injuries. it's a good enough distraction from his barrage of questions, both asked and unasked, and it gives her an excuse to ignore him and pretend he doesn't exist. surely, it must work well for both of them, who openly despise each other.

when his wounds are all cleaned up, she moves on to dressing them, starting with the injury on his side, a huge bruise having already blossomed beneath his skin. there's no hesitation in the way she leans in closer, brushing a hand over his skin and gently pressing her fingers against the tender area. she then speaks in the abyssal language once more, summoning the cryo mage from earlier.

the mage has a few questions as well, similar in thought and context as the harbinger's, but she silences it with a cold, sharp look, her hand outstretched. it leaves a piece of cloth in her palm, chilled with cryo, and withdraws with a reverent bow. ]

I want you to hold this against your side.

[ see? she's answering his questions. lumine doesn't even wait for his response, taking his hand and passing on over the cold compress, before she goes back to his other wounds. ]

[Darn her. She won't answer his questions, leaving him totally in the dark about what the true meaning of all this was. But he's left with little choice, and he'll need the time to rest in order to plan a more successful escape from this darkness. He understands what this realm will do if he stays too long- he can already hear its whispers in his mind, seeking to latch onto where it had started all those years ago.

Childe draws in a sharp breath when she gently presses her fingers to his side, but doesn't cry out. What he does do is give the mage that appears the darkest, most frightening glare he can muster, as if just to remind it that he's here and he will make its day a bad one if given the chance. Let it spread that fear to the others, it'll only make life easier for him later, he thinks.

Sighing, he presses the compress onto his skin gingerly, a shudder running through his body from both the pain and the cold. This will help, but it would take time for that injury to heal. He'd really done a number on himself in that fight.]

Listen, if you're not going to answer my questions on the nature of my survival here, then at least tell me why you've left Aether to fight on the other side of this war the Abyss is waging on the world. Does it not bother you? He is, after all, your twin brother.

[It's an honest question. He doesn't know what Aether knows about this situation, but the last he knew his comrade didn't know what was going on.]

[ she's mindful to keep her gaze on his injuries, her lips pressed together as she continues her ministrations. they remain gentle and considerate, at least, fingers barely brushing against his skin even as she tends to the bigger, deeper wounds. after all, she's had enough experience tending to her twin's injuries a long time ago in the past.

and for one long moment, she doesn't indulge his questions, doesn't react to his mention of Aether. even her expression is carefully schooled, impassive eyes training on his body. it's only after she's done tending to the smaller wounds that she finally opens her mouth.

but of course, the answer she gives him isn't exactly an answer at all. ]

My twin brother is more resourceful than I am. He's already aware of what he needs to do.

[ perhaps not entirely, as she's left him with as little information as well. but she knows what her brother is capable of, knows how intelligent he is. lumine, despite their distance at the moment, trusts that he'll do his part. ]

[He sighs again. Another non-answer. Whatever. Guess he'll have to quell his curiosity, because it's clear he's not going to get an inch from her. He quietly continues to hold the compress to his side, thankful for the relief it gives, and shallows his breathing as to not irritate it further. He's finished trying to have a conversation with her.

Instead now, he just watches her work, clearly having experience in such matters. He wonders what worlds they visited, what they'd seen, the battles they fought, for her to be so deft and careful with every wound on his body. Even in this moment, he imagines how incredible those journeys must of been. And how it all stopped here.

He could fathom a guess. But it's not as if he'll get answers.]

[ so he's finally fallen silent. how wonderful.

it's very much welcomed and appreciated, now able to focus on her work without needing to drown out the unnecessary noise around her. her hands move more deftly this time, leaning over to carefully remove the cold compress against his side (look, it can't stay there for too long) and wrap the bandages around his torso. by the time she's done, her white dress is spattered with red, stained with blood. ]

You should rest and recover your strength, [ lumine says as she closes the box, setting it aside. her eyes study her handiwork before they flicker to the vision clasped on his belt.

... she needs to do something about that as well. how annoying. ]

Talk to me again about fighting fairly when you're no longer coughing up blood.

[He only manages to grumble back at her, looking down at the bandages now. She did a good job, these will certainly help his road to recovery. Is a thank you in order? Probably, but he refuses to do so, knowing that now he's a prisoner in this place for the time being. Striking swiftly now won't do any good. She's clearly faster than him in this state and it'll only serve to worsen his condition.]

Just make sure to tell your subordinates to treat me nicely, now. I wouldn't want to keep you waiting longer because they decided to rough me up after what I did to their compatriots.

[He says, expecting the dark bonds of energy to wrap around his wrists at any moment. He wonders what kind of prison cell they'll throw him into, but if she's taken so much time to dress his wounds, perhaps he won't be living the life of a dog. Maybe.]

You'll come see me, won't you? [He asks slyly, truly wondering if he'd see her again.]

[ he talks as if her own servants follow the kind of notions and convictions the children of teyvat have. how arrogant. but the abyss has its own rules as teyvat has, and she'll allow him to learn them for himself during his stay here—however long that may be.

lumine rises to her feet, speaking in the abyssal tongue once more, and this time, two mages reappear before her. her gaze flickers at him once more—at his face, his injuries, and then his vision, before she opens her mouth to issue her command in the same language. almost immediately, one of the mages encases him in a hydro bubble, cutting off all pockets of air inside.

with her expression devoid of any emotion as she watches his face, she sticks her hand into the bubble, fingers closing around the vision at his hip. it drips hydro on the floor as she pulls it out, the glass ball cool against her palm. ]

Put him to sleep right after, so he can rest. He'll no doubt reopen his wounds fighting back.

[ she doesn't use the door this time around to leave, a portal opening in front of her with a herald waiting. ]

[It happens so fast that he doesn't have time to move- he's swimming in a bubble, unable to free himself as he holds his breath. The glare he issues is raging with hate, as she removes his vision from his belt. He can't even reach out to try to stop her, quickly losing consciousness as his body screams for air. He can hear her words, cursing her to no end in his mind, before the feeling of his chest burning becomes too much.

Inside of the bubble, he passes out, slowly drowning unless he's released soon.

His last thought is how he'll get his revenge before darkness envelops him.]

[ oh she's more than certain he'll try to get his revenge, and she's just as certain that she'll hear from him sooner than later about the vision she took and the delusion her mage handed her. which is why the instructions she gives to her mages and heralds are clear and straightforward, much to her servants' confusion and dismay.

"keep a herald by his side at all times, let him roam around the palace, only fight him when he causes one."

it's a kind of freedom that no prisoner should ever have. the abyss is already a cage in itself with no way out to anyone unfamiliar with it, and she finds it pointless to keep him in a prison within a prison. besides, what's there to fear about him when he's recovering from his injuries and his weapons have been confiscated?

and if he wants to find her? well, it's not as if she leaves the confines of the palace very often. if anything, she often remains within its territory, wandering its overgrown gardens of strange plants or sitting on top of its ruined walls or spires, her gaze far off. ]

[He spends several days in that room, resting, eating and drinking when the mages bring him food. At some point, he notices they don't lock the door behind them. Ever. He's not sure if this is a trap, but even so, the door is unlocked. He's got a feeling it's a show of power, that he'll never leave the Abyss even if he can roam around outside.

On the fourth day, he dresses himself and opens the door, peeking outside. The Herald that waits for him stands stoically next to the door, not making a move but surprising Childe all the same. He leaps backwards, ready for a fight, but it makes no move to restrain him.

This isn't right, he thinks. He asks the Herald why he doesn't immediately strike at him, and it doesn't answer- furthering to confuse and frustrate the Harbinger. Turning on his heel, he begins to stomp off, and it follows him, silently becoming his shadow. Which, in turn, annoys him further- and he mouths off to it, of course, taunting it to attack him, asking what its problem is, etc.

This same behavior goes on for another three to four days, as he explores the palace that he's imprisoned in, or rather, where he chooses to stay for the moment. He's not leaving without his vision.

Finally, a week later, after learning the routines of the palace in the abyss, he finds her once more in the garden. He stomps right up to her, arms folded, looking quite annoyed.]

Hey, are you ready for that fight now? I'm feeling much better and I don't wish to tarry here any longer. Besides, I'm tired of this shadow stalking me wherever I go.

[He jerks his thumb backward at the Herald.]

[ his exploration of the palace doesn't go unnoticed. her mages report to her his every movement: where he's gone off to, what he's done, who he's spoken to. she can tell he's looking for a way out despite nothing standing in his path, but she can also tell he won't leave—at least not until he's recovered what she's taken from him. and that in itself effectively keeps him imprisoned, leashed to her for eternity if she wants to.

and the fact that he searches for her last only means that he's realised and has understood the same thing. the very point of her confiscation of his vision and delusion. ]

You talk as if you have a choice in leaving just because you feel better, [ she responds when he finally storms towards her to whine, pausing from her leisurely stroll around the garden. ] I don't recall giving or making that impression.

[ lumine glances at the herald standing sentinel a few feet from them, an eyebrow mildly arching, before she turns away and starts walking once more. ]

You'll get used to it, don't worry.

I'll get used to no such thing.

[He shoots back, intent on following her. There's no way he's staying here for an indefinite period of time. No way. He trots up to her, joining her at her side. Excuse, do not walk away from him!]

You said that once I felt better we could fight. And once I beat you, I'm leaving. So, I'm here now, and I'm ready to fight- so give my vision and delusion back so we can have our little brawl. I'm looking forward to it.

[Wow is she going to tell him no though....]

[ what a persistent man; then again, her brother deals with the same kind of obstinacy from him too, doesn't he? still, she makes no move to accommodate him, seemingly unperturbed even when he catches up to her once more. ]

Yes, I did say that we can fight once you're feeling better.

[ she remembers saying a couple of times, too. ]

But in no way does that mean you can leave, or that I'm permitting you to leave. Nor does it mean you can have your items back. [ she glances sideways at him, her expression that of mild amusement. ] Is that not how prisoners are kept in Teyvat, too?

[Excuse her? What?

He uses his height to step in front of her, stopping her with his arms now folded. Oh no. He won't allow that, not for a second. What is her deal.]

Hold on, how are we supposed to have our battle if I don't have my tools? I can fight you in my transformation then, if that's what you're so inclined to do battle with...

[He lets his voice trail off, threatening her with dealing with him that way.]

And when I'm done, I will return to Teyvat. You're sorely mistaken if you plan on keeping me here.

[ lumine catches sight of her herald from the corner of her eyes shifting to move in and keep him from getting too close to her. but it stops when she sends it a look, bowing its head in response; her power is more than enough to manage a problem like this. this one can't hurt her, they don't have to worry. ]

Then transform right now.

[ does he think she won't call his bluff? he's the one who's sorely mistaken if she's simply going to say yes, go ahead. ]

Let's see how much you've recovered.

[Uh oh. He hasn't waited until he was completely better. He could absolutely handle himself if he had his vision or delusion, but the transformation is going to place a burden on him that he's not ready for. The injury to his side hasn't completely healed, and now he's between a rock and a hard place.]

Ugh, fine.

[His bluff is called, and he jerks his head to the side in frustration.]

Do you at least know some hand to hand combat? Sitting still in this place is driving me crazy.

[ he's lucky she didn't try to check how much of his injury has healed already; otherwise, he might need another week's rest to mend and improve his wounds and his offended ego. she supposes that, at the very least, she's found a bit of entertainment in this dreary place, a form of respite from her task and duty as the abyss order's leader.

lumine sidesteps him and starts walking once more, clasping her hands behind her back. she doesn't quicken her footsteps, simply resumes pace from before he accosted her. ]

Try that shadow who stalks you. [ her poor herald ... ] See if he'll willingly humour your request.

[ a beat: ] Or did you specifically mean me?

[His eyes widen as she just sidesteps him, mouth dropping open in offense to her clear avoidance of his request. He looks at the Herald, arms opening in a gesture that suggests 'what the hell???' before he turns and catches up with her once more.]

I meant you, [He says with full irritation now.] I've already fought your Heralds. You're the one I want to challenge now.

[He refuses to leave her side now, because he has gone into full brat mode.]

Are you going to fight me or not?

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